22 Days of PeaceSample

The Peace Mindset

Everything we do starts with a thought. If you remember that there is cake in the refrigerator then it won’t be long before you are walking to the kitchen to get a plate and a fork. If you dwell on how someone mistreated you then you might purpose to give them a piece of your mind the next time you see them. Sometimes the action happens so fast we don’t realize what we had our minds on. That is why God shows us where our mindset will take us. If we have our minds set on carnal, or fleshly, things then it leads to death. If we have our minds set on spiritual things then we will experience life and peace. So many people are seeking life and peace in the wrong places. They seek it in the flesh and ultimately that leads to death. If you seek life and peace in money, fame, relationships, sports, vacations, drugs, or anything other than in the Spirit of God then it will lead you to the wrong thing; death. But when you set your mind on the things of the Spirit there will be life, true life, and peace with it. Let’s look at this in a practical sense with our second illustration; you’re dwelling on how someone mistreated you. If you’re carnally minded then you will be preparing harsh words to speak to them or plotting revenge. We know as believers that is not what we should be thinking about. Now, what will happen in the same scenario with the spiritual mind? You will be thinking about forgiving them and praying for them. You may also want to confront in love and try to reconcile if possible. See how different the outcomes are? In one instance you don’t do anything good and in the other, you do everything godly. In one instance you are headed into sin and in the other, you are on your way to actions that are pleasing to the Lord. In Proverbs, it says that when our ways are pleasing to the Lord even our enemies will be at peace with us. What a thought! Today think about what you are thinking about. It sounds silly but it is important to notice where your thoughts are coming from. Are you letting your flesh lead or the Spirit lead? The flesh will lead to death but the Spirit to life and peace. As you recognize the thoughts that are coming from the flesh give them to God in prayer and ask for His help. Let the Spirit give you His thoughts and allow His life and peace to come in.